Caesar Camp 50 Mile Ultra
A few weeks ago I competed in Caesar Camp 50 mile Ultra. The event takes place to the east of Aldershot on the Army training grounds. The 10 mile off road lap climbs Sunny Hill then out towards Ewshot and back to the Start/ Finish area. Each lap has a vertical ascent of 1520 feet. This makes for a great race which is challenging and has the advantage of passing the start/ finish regularly enough so you do not need to carry many ‘supplies’ or spare kit.
This set up does make it an ideal local ‘Ultra’ for any budding Ultra runner. The race is well organised, social and friendly and I can highly recommend it.
www.caesarscampenduranceruns.co.uk describes the underfoot conditions ‘from quite nice to downright brutal’. Having completed the course I can only agree.
They do offer a 30 mile race which starts at midnight for those looking for a ‘easy’ Ultra or a 100 mile race for those looking for a complete ‘beasting’.
My race went reasonably well except for the fact that I ran the first 20 miles too quickly. I finished a very happy 3rd overall with a finishing time of 9:51:12.
So I now have my 5 qualification points to enter Ultra Trail du Mont 2012. Whilst you have to qualify to enter UTMB, the entry will still go through a ballot process so keep your fingers crossed for me please. I will find out mid January whether I successfully secured a place or not! Bring on 2012.
Euan McGrath